An Imperfect E30 is the Best E30

[@christoskaragiannis7973]

This couldn't have a better timing! Two weeks ago I found the dyno video of the 308. 122 episodes later, I watched it again after watching the entire playlist. I'm looking forward to seeing today's video as well, but I wanted to take the time to thank you for the craziest, most entertaining, car content on youtube. Cheers.

[@stanceworks]

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

[@poormrk4kid]

“Preventing perfection from becoming the enemy of good enough.” Thank you for your words and for sharing Cory’s story.

[@Sven_R.]

The car is perfect as is- love the attitude you got with this special car, equally good as the perfectionism of the other builds

[@nicolelongneckergallery]

So cool you are doing this in remembrance of your friend. I lost my racing buddy a few years back, it's tough. But its been said, life is but a gift on loan. It's up to us to live it to the fullest while you have it.

[@BrainsofFrank]

For a tribute build to your friend this is worthwhile just sending it. Stay strong Mike

[@BillRyan]

I had a brown E30 back in the day and I loved that car so much. I love seeing you bring this to life and what a great way to honor your friend Cory. Great job!!!

[@aarondennis4561]

As a fellow perfectionist I understand how hard it is to just say “eh, good enough”. I’m certain your friend would be honored that you are fighting the urge to make it perfect because it’s what he would do. Cool build Mike!

[@btober15]

this e30 build will really bring in a special crowd. yes your other builds are amazing and will keep me coming back 10/10 times but there is something that almost everyone can relate to on this build. thank you and look forward to more on this

[@ruialbertosoares72]

Awesome! We've got 2 E30 in my family, 87 325i and 90 316i both 2door. Always changing something, now we're swaping the 316 to 30i ....

[@axeledwards4162]

By far my favorite youtube channel, thank you for sharing Corey's story and bringing us another phenomenal in-depth build.

[@wow35master]

this is your work jokes and sarcasm! welcome back .. is this videos we love with personality !

[@13THPR0PH37]

We need that "dudeitsfine" key chain! 😂😂😂 Beautiful build. Love em!

[@TheCloser1]

The E30 platform will go down in history as the best mass produced cars ever made.

[@Orange_pickles]

I used to have a 87 325e coupe as well, and I love this series so much.

[@mariospantouvanos4645]

Love the steering wheel! I have the similar one with a red center pad and a Benetton formula 1 horn button on my M42 swapped 85 318i. Now I'm contemplating removing the center pad

[@Whacintosh]

I’ve never really been a BMW guy but this is such a beautiful car with “minimal” work. I would drive this every day lol.

[@usualsuspectsgarage]

another awesome video and i will say this, with your attention to detail, whenever you go upgrade to HID, please upgrade the internal projector of the headlight to a projector that has optics originally designed for HID bulbs, or upgrade to MLED 2.0. esg prints makes adapters. throwing HID bulbs in there alone wouldn’t do it justice and you’d be leaving some light output on the table

[@bridges5659]

Great man! I have a 1990 E30, 316i, stock. I will try to get hold of those type of headlights. Just need to do a minor repair on the rear plastic bumper. If you install a customized set of mudflaps with logos , it will give it a much better look. Thank you for the presentation.

[@daytch9485]

I've got an 89' and a 91' and the bumpers are painted body color with black molding. They aren't tucked in for the shark nose look but aren't exactly diving boards of the E21

[@Kr8zyVids]

Looks great sir!! Pretty perfect for a daily in SoCal. Nothing worse than having it 100% perfect and get a ding or smudge and be upset about it. This thing is living it’s best life!! Keep up the great work

[@Aube]

These needs to be longer! 45min of this is needed...

[@DannysGarage]

I dig this quicker build series, it's a nice change from the massive builds I normally see from you. Feels more down to earth because anybody here could go out and buy an E30 and slap some cool parts on it.

[@azpaquin]

I love the vibe and spirit behind this build. Cory would approve!

[@bayard1332]

Considering your friends 'way' it seems a fair time to share with you my... 5 step development/design process for a new idea/invention. 1. Design the ultimate solution without compromise, solve as many problems as possible, make sure to freely use the most exotic materials and processes imaginable. 2. Re-design it using available materials and technologies, cost not an issue. 3. Re-design it using available and affordable materials and technology. 4. Redesign it using off the shelf readily available and affordable materials and technology. 5. Redesign it and build it with just parts, materials and whatever happens to already be in the shop.

[@Ghosty-RC]

"It's my car, I like them!

[@383mazda]

Early Volvo 240's in the states came with huge "comando" bumpers as well - both cars look way better with slim bumpers.

[@GNARBOSS]

This is a really nice contrast to the ferrari build! The Ferrari build is infinitely inspiring, but this build has a nice level of tangibility where the average person can see this and go "Oh I can actually get that done on my driveway!" and end up with an awesome car. Your content is great as always!

[@jimbauer9736]

damn. Cavallino 3 is dope. Always liked it, never knew the name.

[@Nihil1st1347]

I am certain, the US style bumpers here in europe would look as exciting as european bumpers look in the US. When I was a kid sketching cars, many of them used to have fat US style bumpers.

[@stevenmarvo2620]

Close enough is good enough attitude for this car

[@arnepielhoff8073]

I think the last versions got the MTech II bumpers in germany.... they are a littel bit more modern!

[@in4theaction]

I can't wait to see Mike's solution to the exhaust with the idea of, "this is how my buddy would have done it" should be fun.

[@stanceworks]

Imma chop it right off

[@geoffreyadams6236]

Great to see you build a car with a good bud in mind! Us mere mortals would call this a "daily driver".

[@lateapexi]

There is a Buddhist quote from Ajahn Chah about a "perfect" glass cup, “To me this cup is already broken. Because I know its fate, I can enjoy it fully here and now. And when it’s gone, it’s gone.'” When we understand the truth of uncertainty and relax, we become free."

[@stanceworks]

I love this.

[@1TX0UTLAW]

Love it!

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

The black marks under the rear bumper just make it look like you’ve been ripping burnouts.

[@StanleyKubick1]

your car, your call!

[@EdgyNumber1]

I SEE an E30 in every 1-series coupe but you still can't beat the original hooligan machine - especially with a M on it👍

[@thetumanshow]

Byron is amazing.

[@jdthree5799]

Perfection kills progression.... we all fight it.

[@romchompa6858]

Looks Good!

[@deebee68]

That momo steering wheel has to be one of the most hideous wheels I’ve ever seen. That being said nice build.

[@Raptor58559]

4:38 with the headlights installed I was then ready to uninstall them to make sure that the plug is not trapped against the body. Guess how I got trained to I instantly see it :D

[@MrStevoovets]

A subtle mod would exhaust tips like the Ferrari.

[@ahriley91]

Looking forward to seeing this in June. If you need a place to wrench in Tacoma, my garage is open.

[@thelifeofguyon]

8:00 - I got in big trouble the other week impacting my steering shaft nut like this on my '72 F-250. Turns out those only want something like 40 ft lbs of torque! Great episode, Mike.

[@stanceworks]

Dude it’s fine

[@realnemo4554]

there is one reason i hate this video, because ive been looking for an e30 project for about 2 years and have had no luck 😥

[@Villajesse]

Stromung exhaust !

[@TheRealTomLauda]

i love the 308 build, it is really inspiring. But this one... this one i can relate to ! This build really gives me the push to do one of my own, something i know i can do, skills or money wise. Best automotive channel, period.

[@Boz196]

Just bought my first bmw 2 weeks ago. I got an e39 535i with 140,000km on it in the beautiful oriental blue colour. I’m hoping to buy an e30 as well in the near future because I’m absolutely in love with pre 2000’s bmws.

[@irancartaxo8353]

Nice project. The car is becaming beautifull and I personaly love this aproach logic of "the best cannot prevent the good and usable" cause I use my dream car even to go buy bread.

[@kumakaroshi117]

Modern 510 vibes

[@R1j0hn]

I really feel this car deserves a "junkyard" LS-swap & CD009 trans, to follow the "budget build" idea...

[@shawnhampton9686]

That's what I'm putting in mine. LS6 CD009.

[@santibh88]

Get the m 1 tech body kit man!

[@ninogrunon]

For a solution for your lower valence I’d recommend using expanding foam and mold a piece to your liking and make it out of duraflex/fiberglass

[@NathanielSalzman]

Loving this series. I have an '89 325ix sedan in Alpine White.These are special cars, maybe especially when they're a little rough around the edges.

[@dudley7540]

My ex-GF had an 89 325ix and I wish she had kept it. Great car.

[@RogueViirus12]

Looking better every episode! Honestly I'd just cut the lower bumper trim tabs off, add some touch up paint to prevent rust, and send it. That whole lower area is rough as is without some serious smoothing so it wouldn't be noticable anyway unless you fix all that texture. Basic white plugs under the rear bumper for the holes and you're good to go.

[@stanceworks]

That’s what I’m thinking too 😎

[@thelifeofguyon]

dad

[@stanceworks]

Son

[@christopheryou5040]

I prefer the diving board on the rear of my e24. It’s really easy to sit on like a bench seat. The front is tucked. Edit: as a body tech, perfection is overrated. If the paint is glassy then it’s classy (within a couple shades)

[@alzender7826]

Always look forward to a new video from you and which vehicle you're working on this time. Regarding the rear valance of the BMW, could you not utilise the holes for making some subtle custom tow hooks to the rear chassis in case you need them to help someone in need or yourself - Just a thought?

[@mattspangler170]

Mike, this build is so meaningful and just pure. You’re right, there is something different about perfectly imperfect.

[@y2ksierra]

It’s hard to beat an E30 for outright fun. It’s objectively the worst car I own but easily one of the most fun to take out for a drive. I got lucky and snagged an 89 so it wasn’t cursed with the diving boards 😁

[@skibootdier9488]

I personally fell in love with the AMERICAN version of the E-30, "Diving-Boards" and all.. I never saw the EUROPEAN E-30. So when I bought my E-30, it never occurred to me to change the look. EUROPEAN version looks nice, but it isn't more appealing to me.

[@ForestCinema]

YES. YES. I’ve had an e46 ZHP, a V-8 540i, multiple e46 wagons… and now I have an ‘86 ETA. Redid all the suspension and bushings, put it on some Koni Yellows and IEM springs…. There’s nothing like a happy e30. NOTHING. It might be faster, it might have more power… doesn’t matter. The e30 is GOAT.

[@charlesshamseldin9555]

I come from the mk1 focus (1998-2004) world and have eerily similar things to consider. The US bumpers/fenders/headlights/taillights were all inferior to the their much sexier european counterparts. A simple swap to euro body panels and lighting along with some euro wheels and a drop was all you needed to transform the car into a much more attractive and I daresay intended look for the car. Nice to see this congruency in your build. Keep up the great work Mike.

[@jonathanhoughting8243]

1:10 is that a black Ferrari in the background????

[@tymobyrne4451]

I love my 5mph bumpers on my '84, i dare Teslas to hit me. if you modify these things now days you are killing their value, y;all should be trying to put e30's back to stock conditions as your next "Build" project. Stock rust/crack free 30's are now the holy grails, not your lowered pimped up rides you all call "Builds"

[@pelepele6691]

When I was 20, I had an 18-year-old E30 318is coupe with M Technic2. It was my first car of my own and I loved it. The funny thing is that it cost me $800 back then and I sold it for twice as much. At the time I thought it was a good deal, now I'm crying about what an idiot I was 😢

[@dennismundt7378]

The car looks beautiful. Try to get another rear silencer from the company "G-Power" (Name is EB 5302? I am not sure.). This rear silencer improves the sound of the engine with a distinctive sound. My buddy had this rear silencer under his E30. This distinctive sound always made me happy when he came to visit me.

[@Grooty79]

The valance you used is a series 1.5 item, it has a squarer chin , the series 1 early valance tucks under at the bottom a tad more, the series 1.5 was 86/87 and right before the plastic bars 😊 you should do a video of throwing the diving boards off a huge cliff 🤣🤣🤣

[@thermionics]

This reminds me of my first E30: a white on houndstooth 325eS that I bought in 1997. Great car until it was totaled by a yobbo in an F250 who wasn't paying attention.

[@jabberwockytdi8901]

Even before the ellipsoid dipped beams were introduced only USA cars had the old sealed beam junk (coz DOT) Rest of World got decent Hella H1 halogen units.

[@david929190]

I had the chance to buy a decent E30 in 2017 for $2500. Now that car would cost me $12500. My first BMW ended up being an E92. Wonder what I missed out on.

[@Nightwalker86]

I built a perfect E30 in every way but one- I left the dash cracked. I was reading online how to fix it, and I came across some 12 year old post about how it's not a real E30 unless the dash is cracked. So I thought "fuck it, yeah" and left it.

[@bigbird2451]

I know that you're a BMW fan, but I would love to see what you would do with a Datsun 510. I'm a wagon man in particular. Independent suspension conversion? Is there a way to make one all wheel drive? I can dream...

[@dreasducati3077]

I had the diving boards back in the day and I also prefer the Euro Bumpers. The worst diving board bumpers were on the 80s 635csi there was such a huge gap between the bumper and the car they look like an after thought like the original American Diablo rear bumper.

[@jpait]

We are of the same mind! I replaced my diving boards and plugged the shock mount holes in the back. I used a grinder to cut off that mounting bracket on the rear side fenders. I also plugged all the small trim holes behind the bumper. Wish I could show you some pictures. I just hated those holes back there!

[@GD3Media]

Not all US Spec facelift cars got epsolloids. My 90 325i base with zero option had the sealed beams from the factory. Just a fun fact.

[@brianshorey]

Those bumpers had less to do with safety and more to do with insurance costs. They were intended such that if you bumped into the guy in front of you at a traffic light you wouldn't suffer thousands of dollars in damages. For that, I guess they served their purpose. Of course that's assuming everybody's bumpers were at the same height. Anyhow, they were even fuglier in their first iteration in the mid 70's. By the mid 80's they were better looking and a bit more functional.

[@peterwhitehead2453]

Yup, patina! Love it. I have the same approach with my E36 project. It should look and drive great - that’s authentic!

[@Mr16bit]

I've seen a few cool e30s in my area lately (brisbane, Australia). Seen a slightly stanced white one, a nice 325is and an absolutely mint silver m3.

[@justkiddin1980]

Man the ex of my sister had a E30 Schnitzer man that was one badass car…That thing had plastic strips above the headlights running across the front grill that thing looked mean driving through the streets…Sounded mean also with that Schnitzer exhaust…

[@qers]

Hey, just a heads up. I just clicked on this video and realized my subscription to this channel had been removed. I had to click the subscribe button again. Might be worth it to call out the subscribe button in the next video to see if more people have been unsubscribed against their will.

[@stuartstephens]

As the owner of a white e30 that's daily driven, I approve. 🙂 The euro-sized version of these cars was such a clean, crisp design.

[@joeleonard9965]

About to undergo some pretty expensive rust repair with my 318is so it will last for many years to come. It will stil be a year or two until it is perfect, but I've still loved every day of ownership since buying it.

[@RonnieRager]

Awesome video & build it makes want to restart my e30 project, currently just sitting …what wheels /specs are those??

[@chriserz94]

I've been saying this about E24's :) Also I've been addicted to old bimmers since your E9 and Rusty.

[@RedNovembers]

hey dude. if you should be interested: i have the perfect BBS rims for your E30 in the basement. no scratches. greetings from germany.

[@PappyBuilt]

Loving the E30 content. Now to go outside and work on my wife's 87 vert! #CommentForTheAlgorithm

[@mri8949]

I wonder how he can afford to modify multiple cars at the same time with high end parts, and pay rent and utilities on a large shop, without selling any products or working on customer projects??

[@andreasweber7828]

I don’t see any US cars to live up to crash safety requirements . Or how did a Corvette pass the 5mph crash thingy?

[@EE9Civic]

Its great already. If you were to try and make everything perfect, you would be a lot less likely to actually drive it. Exhaust is really the only noticeable let down at the moment.

[@teamphashash]

Been waiting for this. ❤ Its beautiful! Regrets for selling my Henna Red early E30.

[@jessebrown2100]

... perfect enough, mine will be a 2002 with the Honda turbo motor and 6 speed ..... one day

[@abdulkareemrainers3142]

Fit the angled exhaust the e30 came with from factory or something close to that🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jdwxly]

Loving the E30 content! This car is on my wish list to build someday.

[@kyle_with_a_k]

when are the "Dude It's Fine ®" keychains coming to the StanceWorks merch shop?

[@Kickstand_Kevin]

Love the way your taking this build but part of me wants to see you go all out on it. Maybe, a second one done all up! Huh???

[@MayurPatelZA]

5 min in and I know that my attitude to cars lines up 100% with your friends. A few other similarities make me sentimental here. I had a little brother who is late now and this is a car he would drive.

[@pagodacloud2241]

Imperfection but so beautiful style. ❤ American style on German car look great ❤